Rogers Firefighters To Begin Hydrant Testing

ROGERS -- Firefighters will begin testing hydrants this weekend and will continue through May, department officials said.

Testing requires firefighters to let water flow and may result in discolored water because sediment is disturbed. Allowing water to run through faucets should clear water, officials said.

Resting is required to maintain low fire insurance ratings from the Insurance Service Office, said Fire Chief Tom Jenkins. Those ratings are used by some companies to determine rates.

Jenkins said the testing also allows firefighters to evaluate the water supply and ensure things are working correctly.

Hydrant tests also give firefighters the opportunity to familiarize themselves with where hydrants are located. When they are uncertain, they must look up the location in a map book, Jenkins said.